Wood is a versatile, durable, and warm material for kitchen countertops and other work surfaces. Depending on the look you want, wood countertops can be sleek and modern or more natural and subdued. With its many finishes and grains, wood works beautifully into many interior design plans and can soften the feel of other materials such as metal or stone. Wood countertops can be cut to fit any kitchen or workspace indoors or out. The resilient surface helps protect dropped china, and minor damage to it is easily repaired.
Different types of wood are better suited to different types of workspaces. For kitchens, maple butcher block is an ideal solution—it’s hard enough to stand up to cutting and chopping but not so hard that it’ll dull knives. Any nicks and cuts that result from using knives on the surface only enhance its personality. The best butcher blocks are made from 4-inch-thick end-grain pieces that are connected parallel to each other with finger joints.
Butcher blocks can be installed into or around an existing countertop made from a different material. Unfinished butcher blocks need to be sanded, filled, trimmed, and edged; however, finishing it yourself can save significantly over the purchase of a finished one. Butcher blocks can also be made with exotic woods such as teak, cherry, mahogany, and walnut, but because they’re expensive, you want to treat them more delicately than you would maple.
For outdoor work surfaces such as potting or work benches, choose woods that resist insects and moisture; fir, cedar, redwood, and teak all fill the bill. If you’re planning on using a surface to serve food or handle edible plants, stay away from pre-treated wood and avoid using toxic chemicals to stain or seal it.
Soft woods such as poplar and pine should be kept to indoor use so they won’t be damaged. Lower-quality softwoods can be painted and sealed with varnish.
Wood does have some disadvantages. It’s not heatproof, so you’ll need trivets—either freestanding or built in to the countertop—on which to rest hot pots and pans. If the wood is untreated, it will also absorb moisture, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Regularly staining or oiling wood and cleaning it thoroughly after food preparation are the keys to maintaining a safe, beautiful kitchen countertop.
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